Stampin' Up! Demonstrator - Mary Fish, Stampin' Pretty Blog, Stampin' Up! Card Ideas & Tutorials

Summer Mini Favorite Thoughts

Oh, how I love this look!  The soft stems of the new Watercolor Trio set were inked in Whisper White Craft Ink and stamped on Kraft card stock.  The snappy quote from Eleanor Roosevelt (a sneak peek of the new Favorite Thoughts set) is layered on top in Chocolate Chip. 

SUMMER MINI CATALOG COMING SOON!  Both stamp sets will be available May 1 (in both wood-mount and clear-mount versions) with the release of the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog.  Need a Summer Mini Catalog (and you don't already have an active relationship with another Stampin' Up! demonstrator)?  EMAIL ME for your free copy.  U.S. only, please.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• As part of the Stampin' Up! Color Renovation, Kraft card stock will be renamed Crumb Cake.  Delicious.  Starting July 1, Crumb Cake will be part of the Stampin' Up! Neutrals Color Collection--available in Classic Ink Pads, Ink Refills, Stampin' Write Markers, Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Stampin' Pastels.
• Only Whisper White, Very Vanilla and Basic Black Craft Ink Pads will be continued after July 1 from the Stampin' Up! Craft Ink line-up.  Craft Stampin' Spots and Craft Stampin' Ink Refills will still be available in all of the core colors for embossing, coloring chipboard and scrapbooking.
• Riding Hood Red rides again!  Riding Hood Red and 9 other In Colors will become part of the Stampin' Up! core collection of colors, as part of the Color Renovation.  This "perfect" red is the "va va voom" punch needed against the Kraft and Chocolate Chip on my card.

INDULGE IN THE ART OF STAMPING!  Whether you want to Fill Your Wish List as a hobby stamper or earn extra income, join my Stampin' Pretty Pals and take your artistic dreams to a new level.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Sets:  Favorite Thoughts (Summer Mini: Wood Mount 116968, Clear Mount 120048), Watercolor Trio (Summer Mini:  Wood Mount 117050, Clear Mount 120084)
Paper:  Bella Bleu Designer Series (113974), Kraft, Riding Hood Red Textured (available 7/1), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Ink:  Whisper White Craft Ink (101731), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Cool Tools:  Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Paper-Piercing Tool (116631), Paper-Piercing Template (105826, Stampin' Up! Mat Pack)
The Perfect Touch:  Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon (Occasions and Summer Mini: 117287), Vintage Brads (109109)

Mojo Monday 135

 

Let's Mojo!  Today's Mojo Monday sketch offers lots of spots for fun details (like my sneak peek of the Summer Mini Catalog's Itty Bitty Bits).  Check out the latest Mojo Monday Sketch (MOJO135) below.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• Create the exact size circle you need (1" to 6") with the Circle Scissor Plus.  Be sure to get the Glass Mat, critical for crisp results.  Click for my Circle Scissor Plus Tips.
• No need to obsess about a perfect match.  The More Mustard flower buttons (Playground Designer Buttons) look great with Crushed Curry.  I even liked the way the Chocolate Chip version of this button looked when I tried it, too!
• How about another Sneak Peek of the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog?  Today I tucked in a trio of Itty Bitty Bits flowers (a new stamp set) cropped with one of three Itty Bitty Shapes punches to coordinate with the stamps.  What could be better?  A collection of Clear Bitty Buttons to join the family.

I WAKE EACH DAY WITH A SMILE!  Click to learn why the Stampin' Up! Business Opportunity may be just "the thing" for you! 

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set:  Picture This (Hostess Level 1: Wood-Mount 116928, Clear-Mount 118538)
Paper:  Crushed Curry Textured Card Stock (115538, Assorted In Colors), Crushed Curry Designer Series Paper (115686), Soft Suede Textured Card Stock (115538, Assorted In Colors), Soft Suede Designer Series Paper (115688), Whisper White Textured Card Stock (108693, Assorted Neutrals)
Ink:  Soft Suede (115657)
Cool Tools:  Circle Scissor Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Stampin' Up! Little Leaves Sizzlits Die (114511), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402, available again July 1), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309)

Karren's "Star" Revealed

You loved this star book (original post here) and asked how to create it.  The designer, my Guest Stamper Karren Reda, has indulged us with both photos and directions below.  Enjoy.  Thanks, Karren, for an amazing project and all the details!

Step 1 : Covers - cut 2 chip board squares 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches; 2 pattern paper 5 x 5 inches to cover the chip board; then 7 card stock 3 1/2 x 6 inches; 7 card stock 3 1/2 x 5 inches; and 7 card stock 3 1/2 x 4 inches (decorate with stamps).  Score or fold the 6 inch stock at 3 inches; score or fold the 5 inch stock at 2 1/2 inches and the 4 inch at 2 inches.

 

Step 2: I run the 5 inch square pattern paper through the Xyron and center the chip board in the square.  Cut the corners at a 45 degree angle and fold the edges.  Repeat with 2nd chip board square.

 

Step 3 :  This photo duplicates step 2 - just another angle.

Step 4:  Making foundation signatures - put double sided tape around the edges of one half of the folded card stock

 

Step 5:  Attach the taped side to one of the other folded card stocks of the same size.

Step 6:  Do this for all the 6 inch stock, keeping one end open (untaped).

Step 7:  Attaching the ribbon - fold the whole star book flat, temporarily tape approximately 14 inches of ribbon in place to hold - enough ribbon should extend beyond the card to be tied in a bow.

  Step 8: Cover the front layer with tacky glue

Step 9:  Place one of the chip board covers over the glue.  Place it so that it lines up with the back edge of the foundation signatures so the book can open all the way.  Repeat for back cover.

Step 10:  Close the book - rubber band while glue sets (usually about 30 minutes)

 

Step 11:  Open book into star shape with two covers (chip board) - tie the bow if it helps.  Add the second set of signatures all around, taping the outside edges (lighter blue).

Step 12:  Stamp the 3rd set of signatures, then add the same way the second set was added

Step 13:  Add embelishments

 

Step 14 :  Decorate the covers, especially if the book is to be displayed closed.

 

Steps 15 to end: embellishments from different angles.  Attach photos or other memorabilia as you like.

 

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?  Click to learn the details of the Stampin' Up! Color Renovation.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Five New Colors

With all the excitement about the Stampin' Up! Color Renovation, I thought you might enjoy a quick comparison between current Stampin' Up! Colors and the five new Core Colors (available July 1).  For full details on which colors will carryover, return from "the past" or retire, click to see Stampin' Up! Color Renovation.

NEW Cherry Cobbler:  Left to right Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Ruby Red

NEW Daffodil Delight:  Left to right So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Summer Sun

 NEW Marina Mist:  Left to right Brocade Blue, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue

NEW Early Espresso:  Left to right Soft Suede, Early  Espresso, Chocolate Chip

NEW Cajun Craze:  Left to right Really Rust, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie

LAST CHANCE STAMPIN' UP! COLORS!  Order NOW  to stock up on your favorites. To see which Stampin' Up! colors (card stock, ink, refills and accessories) are slated to retire after June 30, CLICK HERE.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Remember Me

I start each day with a smile.  When it's time to "work," I can't wait to check for comments on my blog, help a customer or my Pals with a question or start a new project.  I never regret having left a successful but chaotic and stressful real estate career almost three years ago to indulge my artistic side in a hobby, now career, with Stampin' Up! 

Do you dream about earning income doing something you love?  By joining Stampin' Up! and the Stampin' Pretty Pals (my virtual downline community), you can enjoy demonstrator benefits, discounts and extra income while crafting, teaching and sharing kindness with others and toward yourself. 

With the addition of Clear-Mount Stamps, a New Punch Design, Simply Adorned Jewelry plus new catalogs (and products) and Color Renovation on the horizon, Stampin' Up! has more to offer than ever.

Click here for the details on the Stampin' Up! Business Opportunity PLUS a NEW DVD Bonus Offer.  Here's how a hobby stamper can benefit by joining, too.

Today's card re-introduces retired "In Colors" Tangerine Tango and Baja Breeze.  Good news!  They will be back in the Stampin' Up! regular line up starting July 1 as part of the Color Renovation. 

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS: 

• The addition of Basic Black gives this A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") card a hip and retro feel.  

• "Remember me" is a sneak peek from "In a Word," a Summer Mini stamp set available May 1. 

• The line image flower, stem and leaves (on the Very Vanilla envelope) are from Awash With Flowers.   

Click here to learn how you can get Awash With Flowers before it's official release in the Stampin' Up! 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog on July 1.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set:  In a Word (Wood-Mount 117143, Clear-Mount 120057 Summer Mini Available May 1), Awash with Flowers (Wood-Mount 117061, Clear-Mount 120549)
Paper:  Tangerine Tango (Available July 1), Baja Breeze Textured Card Stock (Available July 1), Basic Black (102851), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406)
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch (107305)
The Perfect Touch:  Cream Half Back Pearls (109114, Pretties Kit), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

PPA38: Cute As A Button

Are you ready to play this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge (PPA38)?  Everyone is invited to join in the fun using any brand of stamping supplies.  Grab a sketch pad and check out the PPA Design Team's Stampin' Up! inspired samples, all based on Stampin' Pretty Pal Margaret Moody's layout below.

Aren't these little birds adorable with their button bodies?  It's based on an idea by Nichole Heady (Papertrey Ink) that I fell in love with.  I was so excited to discover it worked perfectly with the bird from Stampin' Up!'s Sweetheart Stamp set (available but not in any catalog - click for Sweetheart Stamp  Details) and our Designer Buttons (one each from Playground, Sherbet and Button Latte).

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• After stamping the bird in Jet Black Stazon (my favorite for black image coverage), I colored in the polka dot wing with a Basic Black Marker (so no white from the wing would show through the button hole "eye")
• Next, the bird (wing) was stamped and snipped from card stock matching the buttons (Pretty in Pink, Real Red, So Saffron). You gotta love how Stampin' Up! accessories and colors coordinate.
• Mini Glue Dots keep both the buttons and wing securely in place.  The wing covers the second button hole.
• I used the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to doll up the Basic Black panel.
• A 1 1/4" punched square nests beautifully over colorful card stock cropped with the Stampin' Up! Scallop Square Punch.

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?  Click to learn the details of the Stampin' Up! Color Renovation.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set: Sweetheart (Wood-Mount 120415, Clear-Mount 120780)
Paper:  Pretty in Pink (100459), Real Red (102482), So Saffron (105118), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406)
Cool Tools:  1 1/4" Square Punch (104400), Scallop Square Punch (112081), Large Oval Punch (107305), Paper Snips (103579), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335, Occasions Mini), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439)
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Up! Designer Buttons (Button Latte--114333, Playground--116313, Sherbet--116312), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117285)

PPA Sneak Peek & SU Sale Roundup

Isn't this little bird "cute as a button?"  It's a sneak peek of my design for tomorrow's Pals Paper Arts Challenge.

PPA challenges are one of the best ways to notch up your paper crafting skills.  The PPA Design Team showcases Stampin' Up! products in their inspiration cards.  However, everyone is encouraged participate and use any brand of products they wish.  Check out today's announcement of the  top design picks and blog candy winner for last week's PPA challenge.

STAMPIN' UP! SALE ROUND-UP:

Two-Step Into Spring Promotion:  April 1 - April 30.  Purchase Awash With Flowers before it's official July release in the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog.  Plus, get 20% off on select Two-Step stamp sets. 

New MDS Updates.  My Digital Studio keeps getting better.  Check out the latest download additions to the MDS line-up.  

Country Living Stationery Kit.  You'll love the convenience and flexibility of this Stampin' Up! stationery kit.

Simply Adorned Jewelry.  Give Stampin' Up! charms, necklaces and bracelets a paper crafting personality.

Sweet Treat Cups and Sweetheart Stamp Set.  Not in any Stampin' Up! catalog but available for purchase (HINT:  I used this stamp set for the little bird in the sneak peek above).

On-Line Clearance Rack:  Save up to 60% on close-out items.

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?  Click to learn the details of the Stampin' Up! Color Renovation.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Pals Mother's Day Blog Hop

If you've hopped over from Jason Casper's blog, Jason's Stampin' Pad, I'm stop number 10 on the PALS HOP and I'm glad you hopped in!  I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find lots of creative ideas to inspire you from the Stampin' Pretty Pals. 

For this blog hop we'll be showcasing all that Stampin' Up! has to offer for Mother's Day!  Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the PALS HOP LINE-UP below and you'll be back on track!  We're thrilled to have you visit and excited to hear what you think about our hop!  Please feel free to leave as many comments as you'd like along the way!

We have 13 Pals participating in this month's hop and the line-up is posted below! 

Why did I pull out my retired Baja Breeze card stock and Riding Hood Red Ink for this card?  Click Stampin' Up! Color Renovation to learn about the return of these two retired "In Colors" and a beautiful new palette of Stampin' Up! colors starting July 1.

CARD:

Stamp Set:  Wings of Friendship (114308, Hostess Level 2), Well Scripted (Wood Mount 117072, Clear Mount 118601, Occasions Mini)
Paper:  Baja Breeze Textured Card Stock (available July 1), Chocolate Chip (102128), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908), Riding Hood Red (available July 1)
Cool Tools:  Wide Oval Punch (112082), Paper Snips (103579)
The Perfect Touch:  Clear  Rhinestone Brads (113144), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

STOCK UP OR TEAM UP WITH A FRIEND OR TWO!  Wings of Friendship  (stamp images below) is a classy, hip and versatile stamp set.  As part of the Stampin' Up! Stampin' Rewards Program (also referred to as Hostess Rewards), it's FREE with an on-line product order of $300 or more (plus get $35 or more in free products).  Click to learn more about Stampin' Up! Stampin' Rewards Program.  

Better yet, spend $350 in product and get the new Awash with Flowers stamp set FREE (in addition to Stampin' Rewards).  Note:  The Awash with Flowers promotion is not available with on-line orders.  Please email me for details on how I can place the order for you and you can qualify.  Awash offer ends April 30.

BOX:

Stamp Sets:  Wings of Friendship (114308, Hostess Level 2), Tiny Tags (Wood Mount 118091, Clear Mount 118592, Occasions Mini)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip (102128), Whisper White (100730), Baja Breeze Textured Card Stock (available July 1)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Bigz XL Matchbox Die (114890), Medium Jewelry Tag Punch (117190, Occasions Mini)
The Perfect Touch:  Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286, Occasions Mini), Linen Thread (104199)

PALS HOP LINE-UP

Click on any of the sites listed below to begin the Pals Hop.  

1. Regina Mangum  Stampin' Bean                   

2. Mike Funke  Stampin-style                        

3. Barbara Furlong  The Love of Stamping          

4. Debbie Pierce  Stampin' Sunshine                

5. Carla Bazhenow  Carla's Scraps                      

6. Kylie Nicolosi  Kylie's Crafty Corner      

7. Sumaiyah Yates  Stampin' Dymonz                 

8. Martha Stewart  Seasons of Stamping            

9. Jason Casper  Jason's Stampin' Pad           

10. Mary Fish  Stampin' Pretty               

11. Gina Shaw  Cards by Gina                       

12. Kalshelia Lloyd  Stampin' Fabulousity            

13. Melanie Collins  Oops a Daisy

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

               

Mojo Monday & a Sneak Peek

Let the Mojo Monday magic begin!  Today's Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO134) offers a perfect panel for sharing one of the delightful sentiments from Favorite Thoughts, a sneak peek stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog (available May 1).

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• I confess.  I occasionally swoop paint brochures for paper crafting color inspiration when I'm shopping at the hardware store.  I translated the Benjamin Moore palette to Stampin' Up! Cameo Coral, Mellow Moss and Close to Cocoa.
• For a sophisticated touch, I added a scallop edge border to the envelope flap.  Trim the flap first to get a straight edge.
• New punches alert!!!  Isn't the tiny four petal punch sweet?  Itty Bitty Bits stamp set and three coordinating Itty Bitty Shapes punches will be at the top of your Summer Mini Catalog Wish List.
• Bookmark "Stampin' Pretty Summer Mini Sneak Peeks"  to see my growing samples of the upcoming products all in one place.

WHAT COLORS ARE IN?  A collection of fresh and fashionable colors are on the way!  Starting July 1 (with the release of the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog), many Stampin' Up! colors will be retiring, In Color favorites will return and join the regular line-up and a new burst of color choices will appear (in addition to the new In Color collection).

Click here for full Stampin' Up! Color Renovation details. 

Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa and Cameo Coral used on today's card will retire on July 1.  Stock up now or consider the alternative combination of River Rock, Soft Suede and Melon Mambo (all part of the Stampin' Up! New Color Collections on July 1).  

STAY TUNED:  Tomorrow my Stampin' Pretty Pals and I will bring you a parade of ideas with our Mother's Day Pals Hop.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Sets:  Favorite Thoughts (Wood-Mount 117056, Clear-Mount 120060, Summer Mini), Itty Bitty Bits (Wood-Mount 116968, Clear-Mount 120048, Summer Mini)
Paper:  Cameo Coral (103124), Mellow Moss (102898), Close to Cocoa (101341), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa (103139)
Cool Tools:  Itty Bitty Shapers Punches (118309, Summer Mini), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335, Occasions Mini), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Stampin' Up! Floral Fusion Sizzlits Die (115969), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439)
The Perfect Touch:  Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon (109069), Vintage Brads (109109), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Envelope:  Very Vanilla medium Envelope (107300), Cameo Coral Card Stock (103124), Scallop Edge Punch (112091)

Parade of Pretty Cards

By Karren Reda

A quick post today, packed full of beautiful cards I have received from my friends across the internet.  Isn't it amazing how far stampers extend their hearts?  Linked paper artists are part of my Stampin' Pretty Pals.  Be sure to check out my reminders below :)

By Kris Kilcoyne

 

By Regina Mangum

By Ann Schach

By Maria

By Patti MacLeith

By Diane

By Connie

STAMPIN' PRETTY REMINDERS:

• Click to play this week's Pals Paper Arts flower themed challenge.  There's even a blog candy giveaway for participants!!  
• Tomorrow marks the reveal of another Mojo Monday sketch. 
• Tuesday . . . my Stampin Pretty Pals will strut their stuff with our Mother's Day Blog Hop.
• Stay tuned for a week of sneak peeks from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog. 

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!